Governance Support

Andre joined Dolphin School as a pupil in 1978 and believes that one ‘never really leaves Dolphin’. Passionately committed to the Dolphin experience and ethos, he not only thrived at the school but has watched his own children’s passage through Dolphin deliver engaged, inquisitive and active students that have taken to secondary education and young adult life with confidence and compassion.

He was an Advisor for four years in 2014-18, gaining invaluable insights into the operational challenges of a modern independent school seeking to remain accessible and relevant to its environment and families. In an ex-officio role, Andre oversaw the recent Heather Brough Pavilion development and in 2024, he took up the role of Director and Chair of Proprietors for Dolphin School Limited.

His role encompasses day-to-day executive oversight of the school’s management and operations whilst liaising with all key personnel on governance, financial and strategic issues.

Andre is formerly Chair of trustees for Building For The Future, a local children’s charity and continues to work commercially in corporate communications and design as Director of a London-based agency.

I graduated from the London Hospital Medical College (now the Royal London) in 1970 and I spent a year in Australia as a second year intern before returning to the UK to train in anaesthesia and intensive care. I was appointed as a Consultant anaesthetist to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in 1979 where I continued to work for over 30 years. During this time I became the clinical director of anaesthesia and ITU and the Executive Medical Director of the trust. I led the massive change in medical practice from elective to emergency care.  I am now fully retired both as a clinician and medical manager. I am also the mother of two Old Delphinians; one still wears her faded T-shirt, and both have very happy memories of their Dolphin years and especially of their field trips.  My husband has equally fond memories both of driving the school minibus to Northumberland and writing and producing a school play. As grandmother of a potential new Delphinian, maintaining the original ethos of the school while recognising modern changes in education are as important now as ever.

I love Dolphin because:

“It was simply the best for my children 30 years ago, and it’s even better now, ready for my grandchildren.”

Interesting fact:

“In my retirement I have become a keen golfer.”

Following a Fine Art and Philosphy degree (Bath 1990), I made my way to the bar, via teaching English as a foreign language, a law conversion course and bar finals, qualifying in 1994.  Since then I have worked as a barrister in chambers and in the entertainment industry.  I am currently a sole practitioner, specializing in intellectual property, entertainment and media law.  Throughout my career, I have also continued to work as an artist, producing oil paintings and sculpture on commission and for sale.    

I love Dolphin because:

"It is a place where learning is fired by interest."

Interesting fact:

"I have been typecast as the dame in the Hurst Village Pantomine."

I am delighted to have been invited to join the Advisory Board of the Dolphin School and look forward to being part of the development of this unique school.

My association with Dolphin has been a long one – my four children all came to Dolphin from the late 1970s until the youngest left in 2003. Dolphin is very much embedded in our family memories.

I have worked in education, mainly with SEN pupils for nearly 40 years, - initially as a teacher and for then, additionally, for the last 25 years, in senior management and staff training.

During my retirement I have been able  to further my interest in history through studying and as a volunteer with various organisations. I also enjoy reading and walking.

I love Dolphin because:

“I believe that the school has a wonderfully rich and full curriculum taught by teachers who enjoy and have a sound  knowledge of their subjects. The school encourages a ‘can do’ attitude and the development of individuals. The school trips are amazing.

 It shaped my children’s lives and they remember their time at Dolphin with great affection.”

Interesting fact:

“I grew up in New Zealand and I was 25 before I saw a real castle.”

Most of my professional career has been in the technology industry developing strategic alliance relationships for leading global technology corporations. I hold an MBA from London Business School and am a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. I’ve also worked in the education sector, most recently as Research Director for the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association focused on strategy and professional development for school business leaders.

Currently, I’m finance governor and vice-chair at Leighton Park School as well as a trustee for a local charity, Smart Works Reading, and an ambassador for Women on Boards. Our three children are now Old Delphinians and while a parent, I was treasurer for Dolphin School Funraisers.

I love Dolphin because:

It’s a relaxed, happy place for children to explore, discover and learn – including during the wonderful trip programme.

Interesting fact:

I’m a quilter and one of my quilts was given to the Somalia 2012 Olympic team.

After graduating with a BSc in Pure Mathematics from the University of Sheffield in 1983, I embarked on a career in marketing within financial services before training as a maths teacher. I went on to spend 20 years teaching maths to various age groups up to A-Level at schools in the local area, including at Dolphin between 2002 and 2010.

Both of my daughters spent 10 happy years at Dolphin, with 1991 marking the start of my 30+-year connection with the school. As a parent, I was Chairman of FunRaisers for some years before becoming a member of the teaching staff and also taking on the responsibilities of Marketing Manager.

Having retrained in photography, in 2011 I left teaching and established my own business as a professional photographer which I have spent the last 11 years building. In 2015 I became a qualified member of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and I am proud to be able to number Dolphin as one of my occasional clients.

I love Dolphin because:

“It’s an environment where children thrive and are excited by the process of learning and discovering. ”

Interesting fact:

“Whilst studying for my degree I was a member of the Sheffield University Ballroom Dancing Team.”